Product classification
HS code for Coal gas: 2705.00
Gases, coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons).
Classification of coal gas under HS 2705.00
Coal gas is classified under HS code 270500. This heading covers a variety of gases produced by the thermal treatment of coal or other solid mineral fuels. Specifically, it includes coal gas, water gas, producer gas, and similar gases. Coal gas is typically produced through the destructive distillation (carbonization) of bituminous coal in the absence of air, resulting in a mixture primarily composed of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. The classification is based on the manufacturing process and the resulting chemical composition, which distinguishes these gases from naturally occurring hydrocarbons. Chapter 27 covers mineral fuels, and 270500 is a specific heading for these manufactured gases. It is important to note that this code applies to the gas regardless of its intended use, whether for municipal lighting, industrial heating, or as a chemical feedstock, provided it meets the technical definition of a gas produced from solid mineral fuels.
- Covers
- Coal gas (town gas)
- Water gas (produced by passing steam over hot coke)
- Producer gas (from partial combustion of coal)
- Blue water gas
- Carburetted water gas
- Mixed coal and water gases
- Also under 2705.00
- Industrial syngas production (e.g., from coal gasification plants)
- steel mill blast furnace gas utilization
- coke oven gas recovery systems
Codes often confused with 2705.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for coal gas is HS code 271121, which is for natural gas. While both are used as fuel, natural gas is a geological hydrocarbon, whereas coal gas is a manufactured product. Another error involves HS code 2804, which covers pure chemical gases like hydrogen or nitrogen. Even though coal gas contains high concentrations of hydrogen, it is a complex mixture and must remain in 270500. Finally, petroleum gases like propane or butane, which are byproducts of oil refining, are classified under 2711 and should not be confused with coal-derived gases.
Top exporters and importers of HS 270500 (the code used for coal gas), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 270500 (the code used for coal gas) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 83% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 270500, not only coal gas.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $2.5M 42% of world exports
- 2 Estonia $1.4M 24% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $728K 12% of world exports
World total: $5.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $12M 83% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $422K 2.9% of world imports
- 3 France $394K 2.8% of world imports
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for coal gas
Brazil classifies coal gas under NCM 2705.00.00: HS 2705.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coal gas
What is the HS code for Coal gas?
The HS code for Coal gas is 270500 (Gases; coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons)). The HS code for coal gas, water gas, and producer gas is 270500.
How do I classify Coal gas for customs?
Coal gas is classified under HS code 270500 — Gases; coal, water, producer and similar gases (excluding petroleum and other gaseous hydrocarbons). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural gas classified under the same code as coal gas?
No, natural gas is classified under HS code 2711, while coal gas is specifically assigned to 270500 due to its manufactured origin.
Which countries are the top exporters of coal gas (HS 270500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 270500 (the code used for coal gas) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.5M, 42% of world exports), Estonia ($1.4M) and Singapore ($728K). World exports came to about $5.9M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of coal gas (HS 270500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 270500 (the code used for coal gas) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($12M, 83% of world imports), the Netherlands ($422K) and France ($394K). World imports came to about $14M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Coal gas the same in all countries?
The base HS code 270500 for Coal gas is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for coal gas in Brazil?
In Brazil, coal gas (HS 270500) is classified under NCM 2705.00.00.